Rob Helmke is the Marketing Director for Plastic Ingenuity, Inc., located in Cross Plains, Wisconsin. Plastic Ingenuity is a custom thermoforming manufacturer that has built its reputation in the industry by providing innovative packaging solutions, being customer focused and flexible. Rob is responsible for all facets of Plastic Ingenuity's marketing program including overall strategic direction, Internet and public relations, brand management and business development. Rob has 16 years of packaging industry experience with Plastic Ingenuity, a bachelor's degree from the University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire, has served on the Madison Area Technical College marketing advisory board, and has presented at Marketing Profs B2B conferences.

How Companies have Created Limited-Time Packaging The World Cup has been taking the globe by storm this summer—and the packaging community has taken note. Companies like McDonald’s, Budweiser, Gillette and many others have branded their products for this worldwide event—and with good reason. Limited-edition packaging is an ideal way to reach both long-time and brand new consumers because it’s specifically targeted to their interests, or they may just be intrigued by the idea of a one-of-a-kind, once-in-a-lifetime packaging design. Either way, special-release packaging can create a big impact for your company. See how some of the leading brands in various industries have been successful with limited-edition packaging—and how you can create your own plastic packaging for enhanced market performance. Sporting Events The World Cup isn’t the only sporting event that companies have released limited packaging designs for. Olympics-inspired packaging remains one of the most common and universal ways for companies to develop promotional packaging. From the iconic Wheaties box designs featuring famous athletes to Tide’s American-flag bottle, companies of all kinds capitalize on sporting events. This occurs with other sporting...

Plastic Ingenuity specializes in helping companies create customized packaging designs, and throughout our experience, we have noticed that plastic packaging needs to meet various requirements to ensure it performs well in stores. A product’s packaging needs to be practical, protective and composed of the top plastic materials, all while having a memorable branded design. To help you create a packaging design that’s ready for retail markets, consider the following ideas. Custom Shapes As you are planning the packaging for your product, you need to make sure it’s compelling. Oftentimes, this means creating a customized packaging design that is unlike anything else on the shelves through the process of thermoforming. Some of the best plastic packaging styles have been created through customized thermoformed designs. You can try simple shapes, like with this Quick drink design, or you can take a less traditional approach, as the Glogi brand did. Of course, choose the packaging shape that works best for your product. Envision how you want your packaging to look on the shelves, and plan accordingly. Practicality More than anything, your plastic packaging...

A new study sponsored by The American Chemistry Council (ACC) and the Canadian Plastics Industry Association has revealed that plastic packaging has significant benefits over other packaging alternatives. The study, titled “Impact of Plastics Packaging on Life Cycle Energy Consumption and Greenhouse Gas Emissions in the United States and Canada,” revealed that plastic packaging could actually reduce greenhouse gas emissions and total energy use compared to other packaging options created with substitute materials. The Packaging Study’s Results The study examined various plastic products, including beverage containers, caps, closures, shrink wrap, rigid containers, shopping bags and other types of packaging solutions. Those conducting the study used life cycle assessment methodology as they compared plastic packaging to substitute materials. After analyzing the life cycle value of six major plastic packaging options throughout the United States and Canada, the study found that plastics produce a lower weight compared to alternatives, which, in turn, results in reduced energy and greenhouse gas emissions. Comparing the Impact of Plastic Packaging and Its Alternatives According to Plastic Packaging Facts, plastic packaging substitutes weighed 348 percent more than...